The last time The Imps faced tonight’s opponents Portsmouth at Fratton Park was on Tuesday, 2nd November 1982 in Division Three, so exactly 10 years before I was born. The Imps lost 4-1 in front of a crowd of 12,429. Three of the Portsmouth goals were scored by Alan Biley and the other was scored by Billy Rafferty.
The second meeting of that season between the two sides was played on Wednesday, 16th February 1983 in front of a crowd of 6,311 at Sincil Bank. Pompey won 3-0 on that occasion. Billy Rafferty scored a couple of goals for the visitors that night, with the other goal for them scored by Steve Aizlewood.
Time for the Q&As. Thank you to Portsmouth supporters Hugh and Gordon for answering our questions! The answers have been published on two pages. To get to the second set of answers, simply click “click here for the next set of answers!” at the bottom right of the page, or click the name above!
First up, the answers provided by Hugh:
How long have you supported Portsmouth?
I am 32-years old now and attended my first game when I was 8-years old. So.
Where did you finish last season?
Portsmouth finished 4th after a poor run of form in the second half of the season, dropping from the top at Christmas.
What do you think of your Manager?
A hot topic with Pompey fans now, which has split the fans as the season has progressed. Although I cannot speak for all Pompey fans, I believe the majority now want to see a change of manager. Kenny Jackett’s style of football is dull at best and in my opinion downright painful to watch. While I could put up with that when we were winning, the team has looked dire to start the season. I have lost faith in his tactical ability to implement a successful system, that works for the players in the squad. Eleven games into the season, Jackett still has not worked out the best way of utilizing his team.
Who Are The League One Managers? No.16: Kenny Jackett (Portsmouth)
What are your hopes and expectations for the 2019/20 season?
Anything short of promotion is a failure. That was the words of Pompey CEO Mark Catlin when I spoke to him at the end of last season. While that seems unlikely at the moment, with the money we have spent and the players in the squad this should have been an achievable goal.
One(s) to watch?
Marcus Harness has been a shining light in an otherwise disappointing start for Pompey. Tasked with filling the huge void left by Jamal Lowe’s departure to Wigan, Harness has risen to the challenge.
Harness is an exciting player to watch who terrorizes defenders one on one and looks clinical in front of goal. However, from what I have seen this season, Harness is also an exceptional playmaker who makes smart decisions with the ball.
Which teams you think will finish in the top six?
It is still early in the season to properly assess who will make the top six. If you held a gun to my head I would have to go with Ipswich Town, Peterborough United, Sunderland, Coventry City, Oxford United and Doncaster Rovers.
Which teams do you think will finish in the bottom three?
As it stands now. Bolton Wanderers, Southend United and AFC Wimbledon.
What are your thoughts on Lincoln City?
Lincoln’s rise up the football ladder has been impressive and the city seems to have co behind the manager. It will be interesting to see if you can continue the momentum at the club now Danny Cowley has departed for Huddersfield. Michael Appleton is thought of fondly but Pompey fans, who I would have liked to see back at Fratton. You are in very good hands and should have a top-half finish to the season.
What do you think the score will be?
Sadly, I cannot predict a win for Pompey. Especially after a clueless 1-0 loss to AFC Wimbledon, who were barely any better. I am going with a 2-0 win for Lincoln.
Random fact about your Club?
In January 1946 the FA Cup was returned to the Football Association after spending a record 2,468 days at Fratton Park during the Second World War. The club had won it in 1939.
If you could steal one Lincoln City player for your own team, who would it be and why?
Jorge Grant is a player I have admired since he played for Notts County. Pompey would benefit from his creative ability and he will rack up the goals and assists for you this season.
What are your proudest and most embarrassing moments as a Portsmouth Supporter?
The best moment must be winning the FA Cup in 2008. What more can I say!
2012-2013 was a shocking season with relegation to League Two and the looming possibility of the club going out of existence. Dark times…
Who would you say is your most underrated player?
Andy Cannon if he starts can be a catalyst driving the play forward through the middle.
Do you have a Supporters Trust and what role do they play at the Club?
The Pompey Supporters Trust helped enable the sale of the club to the fans when it looked like we might lose our club. They have remained part of the community, even with the sale of the club to new owners Michael and Eric Eisner.
Which was your favourite match involving Portsmouth?
The 4-1 win over Southampton in 2005 with a LuaLua double was one I will always remember.
Which was your least favourite match involving Portsmouth?
A 5-0 loss to Swindon in the dreaded 2012-13 season was particularly awful.
Do you have a Former Players Association at Portsmouth?
Apparently so, although I had to google it to check.
What’s the best thing about Portsmouth?
Besides the football club, I enjoy the pubs in Old Portsmouth. Not a refined answer, but an honest one.
How long did it take you to pay the likes of David James off?
September 2014, although I don’t think David James was the issue. I am looking at you Sol Campbell with your image rights.
Does the superfan covered in tattoos still go to the games?
Yes, he does. Some Pompey fans are fond of him, some not so much. He is a very marmite character at the club.
Harry Redknapp. Hero or Binge and Bust Cowboy?
Judas in my eyes. Harry is out for nobody but his own personal greed, no matter what the cost to others is.
Page Two: The answers provided by Gordon
"I believe the majority now want to see a change of manager.":https://t.co/RAc1y1Lf1C#Pompey #ImpsAsOne #ProudToBeImps
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) October 22, 2019
https://www.facebook.com/VitalLincolnCity/posts/2476022619100635
